A new covid-19 test could be a game changer.

Kiwi scientist Dr Anne Wyllie is based at the Yale School of Public Health in Connecticut, and has led the research which found saliva samples may detect the virus better than a nasal swab.

Her test, SalivaDirect, has been granted Emergency Use Authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Dr Anne Wyllie told Francesca Rudkin it's a much cheaper and faster option.

"We've the most expensive, time consuming, RNA extraction, and we've just replaced work-up.

"By removing that step, it removes about 80 to 90 percent of the cost."